NEW DELHI: The most famous football fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, could not attend the crucial match of his country FIFA World Cup game against Uzbekistan after being denied a United States visa.Known to fans around the world as “Lumumba Vea”, Mboladinga has become one of the most recognizable fans of African football due to his unique way of supporting the team. However, he was forced to miss the biggest game of the World Cup in Congo despite traveling to cheer on the team earlier in the tournament.The reason for the visa refusal has not been made public.Congo’s ambassador to Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu told Reuters she hoped Mboladinga would still be able to join the team if DR Congo continues its World Cup journey.“I hope he brings his own support to the team,” she said.
Why is he so famous?
Mboladinga became an international sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.Unlike other fans who sing and cheer for the entire game, he stands completely still for the entire 90 minutes with one hand raised. His pose pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the DR Congo, who led the country to independence before he was assassinated in 1961.He also dresses in colorful suits inspired by the national flag and bears an uncanny resemblance to Lumumba. His nickname, “Lumumba Vea”, comes from this dedication.His unique support caused admiration throughout the football world. After returning home from the African Cup of Nations, the Congolese government even presented him with a four-wheel drive vehicle in recognition of his popularity.
Delayed arrival to the World Cup
Mboladinga’s journey to the World Cup was already beset with problems before the visa issue.He missed DR Congo’s opening match against Portugal due to travel restrictions and quarantine related to the country’s Ebola outbreak.He finally arrived in time for Congo’s second group game against Colombia in Guadalajara, where the African side lost 1-0.But he was unable to travel to Atlanta for Saturday’s must-win clash against Uzbekistan after failing to secure a US visa.
DR Congo makes World Cup history
Even without their most famous fan in the stands, DR Congo produced one of the biggest results of the tournament.After falling behind to an early goal by Eldor Shomurodov, Congo fought back in the second half to win 3-1.Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after a foul inside the penalty area. Fiston Mayele then put Congo ahead before Wiss scored again in stoppage time to seal a famous victory.The victory sent DR Congo into the round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history.It is only Congo’s second appearance at the FIFA World Cup and their first since competing as Zaire in 1974, when they lost all three of their group games.The win also made DR Congo the eighth African nation to reach the knockout stages of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
